Sports betting is popular around the world. With the development of online services and the increase in the number of players who bet on sports, there is plenty of competition driving online bookmakers to improve their sites, offer tantalizing odds, and find out exactly which sports their players like to bet on.
With player tastes varying from market to market, bookmakers worldwide have a vested interest in learning what their users like to bet on. The specialists at Slotegrator, a developer of solutions for the gambling business with ten years of experience in the gambling industry, have some detailed information for sportsbook operators.
Why are some sports more popular for betting than others?
Here are some simple answers:
- Bettors tend to bet on sports they are familiar with (“conscious betting”).
- Many sports are more prevalent in some regions than in others.
- Interest in betting on a sport often correlates with a country’s performance in international competition.
Popular sports for betting in Asia
The betting market in Asia has grown significantly over the past few years. As in the rest of the world, traditional football is the most popular sport here, and the number of bettors who like to bet on football is growing with each tournament or championship.
Basketball is also popular in the region, drawing spectators with its dynamic pace and high scores. In terms of betting volume, it is the second most popular sport in Asian countries.
Next on the list is what Asians are famous for table tennis. Table tennis is a great sport for betting due to its simplicity — choose the winner. Cricket is quite a spectacular and widespread game in Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent.
Along with traditional sports, esports cannot be ignored. The esports industry is closely related to the traditional sports industry. Many basketball and football clubs have bought their teams for games such as DotA2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, etc. The most ambitious esports market has been occupied by Asians, famous for their serious attitude to e-sports. Esports in Asia may soon become more popular than traditional sports.
Popular Sports to Bet on in the Americas
Sports betting has exploded in the US after a federal law banning sports betting was struck down in 2018. American football tops the list for US sports bettors. Baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, and golf are widely bet on. Like boxing and MMA, combined sports are trendy, as are horseracing and traditional games like darts.
In Latin American countries like Colombia and Brazil (soon to see the rollout of its sports betting regulation), football reigns supreme, supported by a widespread cultural passion for the world’s most popular sport. Baseball and basketball are also popular, and Latin American bettors enjoy blood sports like cockfighting.
Popular sports for betting in Africa
Traditional football is easily the most popular sport for betting in Africa, but many other sports enthrall bettors from all over the continent, such as rugby. The South African rugby team, known as the Springboks, has won the World Cup three times (1995, 2007, 2019). Sports betting sites operating in Africa offer bets on the annual Africa Cup organized by Rugby Africa; you can also bet on major international tournaments like the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Cricket is extremely popular in South Africa, and the national team, known as the Proteas, is considered one of the best in the world. Although this sport is not as popular as football, bettors are willing to bet on it, especially in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
South Africans also like to bet on horse racing. Every year, horses compete in prestigious races such as the Summer Cup, the Cape Metropolitan Stakes, and Durban July Handicap, with spectators taking part in the races via betting.
Popular sports for betting in Europe
Betting as a form of entertainment and a way to make some money is widespread across Europe. Bookmakers can be found in almost every European city. In recent years, sports betting in Europe has followed global trends, so some non-European sports are on offer.
Like most of the world, the continent’s most popular game is football. Many bookmakers allow bettors to bet on the most famous football leagues and leagues with low ratings. Basketball is the second-most bet on sport in Europe.
Along with football and basketball, tennis is common among Europeans. Many tournaments are held throughout the year — bettors can find interesting pairs to bet on.
Britons are known worldwide as fans of horse racing, which is popular in other parts of Europe as well.
Martial arts in Europe are experiencing a renaissance, at least when it comes to the stakes. Europeans like to watch and bet on boxing matches and MMA bouts.
Popular sports for betting in Australia
There are few countries where people are as passionate about sports as they are in Australia. The country is home to some of the world’s best swimmers and rugby and cricket teams. Australians are also interested in more unique sports such as netball, field hockey, and Australian football. There are many national and international teams that bettors regularly bet on.
Rugby remains one of the favorite sports in Australia. The National Rugby League (NRL) makes an annual betting profit. One of Australia’s largest sports and betting events takes place annually in October — NRL Grand Final.
Horse racing in Australia has a long and exciting history and is directly related to the gambling industry. According to experts, 76% of Australians bet on horse racing. Throughout the country, there are many jockey clubs, provincial and metropolitan. Thanks to them, races in Australia are held daily, which gives gamblers new opportunities.
Cricket is considered the national sport in Australia. Cricket fever reaches its peak in the summer, as is the betting season. Whether it is local or international matches, Australians will never miss an opportunity to bet on cricket.
It is hard to believe, but hockey is surprisingly popular among Australians — field hockey. Tennis is no less common for bets in Australia — the season begins in January of each year. Other sports, such as football, motorcycle racing, golf, and Aussie football, are also popular among Australian bettors.
It can be said that watching sports is enough for many viewers — regardless of nationality, country, or continent. But thanks to the culture of gambling in many countries of the world, people are becoming crazy about sports. For this reason, the online betting industry is considered to be one of the most lucrative in the world. Another reason for the increase in demand for digital betting is the COVID-19 pandemic, as many professional sports leagues and events have been suspended, and traditional establishments have been closed to the public.
Every year, millions of people spend their money on betting. As the world shifts from offline to online betting, it’s safe to say that most countries are at the forefront of these changes. More and more entrepreneurs want to launch their online betting platforms. Slotegrator, one of the leading solutions developers for the gambling business, is ready to support them in this and advise them on all issues.
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